Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! 

In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community. 

Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot. 

The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflects on pivotal moments in aviation history, including the space program and the Challenger explosion.

Dave shares invaluable insights on the critical role of air support in law enforcement, emphasizing how it acts as a force multiplier in various operations. He recounts a tense traffic stop where the presence of a helicopter transformed a potentially dangerous situation. 

Dave talks about the early challenges of establishing the Mesa air support unit, the importance of maintaining detailed performance statistics, and the value of partnerships with other departments. 

As the episode progresses, Dave discusses his transition to MD Helicopters and shares advice from his experience as a senior demonstration pilot at Bell. 

His passion for helicopter flight training shines through, particularly regarding auto rotations and emergency procedure, with a vision to mentor the next generation of helicopter pilots through his company Eagle West Helicopters. 

Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, training, and the passion that drives the law enforcement aviation industry.

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Precision Aviation Group and Wysong Enterprises.